Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS)

Hurricanes

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74mph or higher. Hurricanes have different names in different regions of the world and the season varies depending on hemisphere and location. In the Atlantic and Caribbean, Hurricane Season runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. Hurricanes are measured on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale, with a category 1 being the smallest and a category 5 being the largest. Category 1 hurricanes will generally produce some damage, while category 5 hurricanes can be catastrophic. Before reaching hurricane status, rotating clouds over tropic and sub-tropic waters may be labeled as tropical depressions and tropical storms with wind speeds between 38-73 mph.

Hazards Associated with Hurricanes

When hurricanes make landfall, the storm surge and tide associated with the hurricane cause the largest amount of damage. A surge is a rise of water caused by hurricane winds; surges can move several miles inland causing flooding. A normal tide caused by astronomical patterns can be elevated when there is also a storm surge. A tide of 2-3 feet will become much larger with a surge and strong winds. The combination of a storm surge and tide will not only affect the coastal areas where a hurricane makes landfall, but will also move up bodies of water such as bays, estuaries, bayous, and rivers. Severe storm surge may also cause coastal erosion and dune destruction.

Hurricanes can also produce tornadoes, major winds, rip currents, and torrential rain causing flooding. Winds and tornadoes may produce harmful, fast-moving debris. Rip currents not only affect immediate coastal areas where a hurricane will make landfall, but can also affect coastal areas far up and down the shore. Rip currents generally pull swimmers away from the shore and out toward the ocean. Beaches will post yellow and red flags when there is a strong current to alert swimmers. Lastly, torrential rains can create flooding and flash flooding hundreds of miles inland from where a hurricane has made landfall. Flooding may be seen several days after a storm has passed as water makes its way down rivers and streams.

Remember:

A Hurricane Watch is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.

A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles an hour (64 knots) or greater, and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.

When a Hurricane Watch is issued for your area:

Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio.

Ensure your car's fuel tank is full.

Check mobile home tie-downs.

Securely moor small craft (double lines) or move to safe mooring.

Stock up on canned provisions.

Check supplies of special medicines and drugs.

Check batteries for radio and flashlights. Have plenty of spare batteries.

Secure lawn furniture and other loose material outdoors.

Tape, board, or shutter windows to prevent shattering.

Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent their lifting out of their tracks.

Don't forget to prepare your business for emergencies. FEMA's Ready Businesss website offers valuable planning resources to help you stay open for business after an emergency.

When a Hurricane Warning is Issued for Your Area:

Stay informed to learn whether government officials want you to shelter-in-place or evacuate.

Know the scale of the hurricane (category 1 - 5) and how that will affect your home and the surrounding area. Visit the National Hurricane Center to learn more.

Be prepared for floods, power outages, and other effects of the hurricane.

Sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive hurricane watches and warnings for Montgomery County directly to your phone or e-mail.

Stay Informed

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